Self-storage Space

One of the hardest choices you’ll have to make when choosing a self-storage facility is how much space you need. With units on offer ranging from the size of a box, a closet, a garage or a warehouse, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Choose a self-storage unit that’s too small and you won’t be able to fit all your items in it. Opt for one that’s too big and you’ll be wasting money on space you’re not using.

You can, after all, always increase or decrease the self-storage space you rent according to your needs so it’s important to decide if you’ll need to change in the short term. For example, if you’re storing some items in a self-storage unit for a few weeks before need to add other things and increase your size, it may be worth your while to hire a slightly larger unit that will hold everything. The extra rental costs you’ll pay for those few weeks might compensate for the alternative of having to repeat all the time and effort of getting your stuff into storage in the first place.

Your best source of advice is a self-storage provider. Take some time to lobby a few for their views on the space you need and you’ll make sure that you’re getting the best and most accurate advice. It’s in their best interests to make sure that you rent self-storage space that suits you, both in the short and long-term. The majority of self-storage providers are extremely experienced at assessing what will fit into each space and will be able to factor in any extra issues such as space needed for aisles and other general access.

Most self-storage providers have systems in place that will help you decide for yourself how much space to take. These calculators or estimators can be found on the majority of self-storage web sites. Others will describe their units in terms that will help you visualize how much space you need. For example, Unit A will hold the contents of an average sized closet, Unit B is the size of a standard single garage. As an additional measure you can always visit a facility and look at potential unit sizes so that you can get a clearer idea of which one will suit your space needs. Again, talk to self-storage facility representatives if you’re unsure which size to opt for.

There are a variety of tips that will help you with the process:

Measure the length, width and height of the largest item you need to store. This will show you the smallest unit size you could take.

If you’re storing the entire contents of your house let the storage provider know how many bedrooms you have, as this is a good indicator of space needed.

If you’re storing everything in boxes, tell the self-storage facility the size of box and how many you have – they can make an estimate based on this.

If you have room in, for example, a garage or a spare room put all of your boxes and storage items in it as if you were storing it so you can see how much space it takes up.